Having gotten a short afternoon warm-up ride yesterday, it was time for something a little more challenging. We were going to link up a few trails to end up with a 50+/- mile loop. I had mounted a 2 gallon tank to the Mighty Beta so we were only good for around 60.

Hwy 279 led to the trailhead of Poison Spider which was on top of this cliff. A few climbers provided entertainment along this stretch.

I believe the road across the river goes to Kane Creek. I want to ride that trail next year.

Poison Spider got our attention right away. Glad I wasn't on a DRZ!

Upon seeing this next ledge I decided it would be a good idea to avoid front rim damage by removing it before attacking the climb.

or....
I had to fix a flat.

Other than the splatter moves on some of the bigger ledges, negotiating the trail was usually pretty managable.

But in many spots, a small mistake could have huge consequences. :eek

This was true whether you were moto, jeep, bike or hike. Like these jeepers. If they were to stumble here, they could be falling for a while!

It did make for some fairly spectacular views though.

See the people at the bottom of the arch?

Fuggy doin' a no-footer.

I wonder if anyone ever counted how many arches are in the area.

Golden Crack is a world famous obstacle for 4x4s. Not so much for moto.

So, a few more hits

Another shade break.

One more view shot

Then it was just a short slab ride back to camp. The last two days had been really fun and very different to anything I'd ridden before.
Tomorrow Fuggy promised we'd ride something aimed more specifically towards two-wheelers.

Good Stuff guys!!! I saw the Riceless signature at the 5MOH sign in box yesterday, small world, I bought my trials bike from Brent. Glad you finally made it out here Brent, next year you need to make two trips, one for high alpine trails AND another Moab trip!!

Fuggy & I had only ridden together once on my trails. We didn't know each other very well at all and in spite of our 20+/- years difference in age, different moto brand loyalty, and astoundingly different tastes in music, our conversation made the miles fly by and before we knew it...

If I would have known you were into that new-age-indie-rock-crap, I would have made you leave your iPod at home. For Christ's Sake Mate! Your 50+ years old....act like it!

But seriously, your a great rider with flawless technique in the rough stuff and smooth style in the silt-like sand. I'm glad you decided to make the trek and I have a feeling you will be back! (hopefully with better tunes in your playlist)

__________________If your wife is pissed off about your moto trip, you are doing it right

The next morning we moved camp about 15 miles NW of Moab to the Sovereign single track area and hit the trail right away.

These trails were for two wheelers only

A bit more technical but not too difficult

I don't think a quad would fit through here.

Okay. I don't remember if I've mentioned this yet or not but...
Fuggy Kin Ride.
Here's an example: This is a tricky, downhill, 110 degree, right hand, switchback. If you get pitched here it's gonna hurt for days. He handles it by picking up enough speed on the approach that his feet-up brake slide will carry him all the way around the turn to the next straight.

Very nice Chad

It is exactly this kind of commitment to the maneuver and general riding skill that makes it possible for me to put up with his horrible taste in music.

After watching the chasing riceless on Youtube I was under the impression that you only road the 950 ADV KTM.

I was REALLY excited to see that thing going on some of those trails... sigh...

Still, what a great trip report, and really nice photos. It makes me want to pick up a trials bike. Just saw one yesterday with a seat and an extended fuel tank that would have been a blast to take on that trip. (no way I could do a trip like that on anything more, owing to my lack of experience and general lack of skill...)

Well, it sure looks like a blast!

I am Also amazed that yall were able to follow the trails! Living so close I go to Moab in my jeeps all the time, but I tend to follow because I can not see the trails well enough.

Oh and Riceless, yes you are right, that was the road to kane Creek. It is a really fun road to go down, you should also check out Chicken Corners etc when you head out there next time. (take me take me!)

__________________

"Do you know what a soldier is...? He's the chap who makes it possible for civilized folk to despise war."
-Allan Massie

After watching the chasing riceless on Youtube I was under the impression that you only road the 950 ADV KTM.

I was REALLY excited to see that thing going on some of those trails... sigh...

Yeah that would have been fun to watch but I don't have the Mighty 950 anymore. The slickrock stuff and most of Sovereign would have been ok, but no way on 5MOH.

I'm getting ahead of myself though. We still have to finish day 3.

After enjoying the singletrack trails of Sovereign, we explored the maze of slickrock in the area. Fuggy impersonating Rin Tin Tin.

Those of you less than 50 years old, this is "Rin Tin Tin"

After a short break we made our way over to Arches National Park. Very scenic.

and very sandy.

There was a lot of moisture in the air which had an ill effect on the distant photos. Still pretty though.

When we got back to camp Fuggy wanted to ride more but I wanted to set up my tent, etc before dark. So I suggested he take the Mighty Beta for a spin.

He was very excited and left in such a rush that he forgot to unlock the truck. The good news was, the cooler was not in the truck.
So instead of pitching my tent I grabbed a beer and found a good spot to watch the shadows grow.

He made it back before sunset and by the time it was dark we had a pretty nice campfire going.

The next morning we broke camp and headed north towards the Green Valley area or as it's also known, the San Rafael Swell.